Pinewood fights to keep Bond 22

Starting from 0 .. the Pinewood 'Bond' stage has been completely rebuilt after last July's fire. Photograph: Sylvia Styring Hill/AP

Top brass at Pinewood Studios are fighting to keep the next James Bond shoot in the UK following reports earlier this week that the Casino Royale follow-up may go to Prague.

However, the UK studio faces stiff competition from Barrandov Studios, where part of Casino Royale was shot. Representatives of the Czech facility have reportedly already been in talks with Sony Pictures and MGM. Neither studio nor Bond producers Eon Productions would comment this week.

Pinewood's famed 007 stage has been rebuilt after it was destroyed by fire last July and now offers even more extensive facilities than before.

While the Czech Republic does not currently offer tax incentives, it is an attractive venue because it is cheaper than the UK and boasts attractive locations and highly skilled crews.

In addition, Prague-based Barrandov recently unveiled a 4,000 sq m stage that can hold its own against anything Pinewood has to offer.

According to ScreenDaily, Barrandov spokesman Tomas Zelazko told the Czech press this week that Bond producers said they were "very satisfied" with the Prague portion of the Casino Royale shoot.

Bond 22 is one of the most sought-after productions in the Hollywood pipeline after Casino Royale's record-breaking success for the franchise. The film has grossed more than $590m (£300m) worldwide.

The upcoming project is set to go before the cameras early next year in time for a November 2008 worldwide release.